Area Plan Commission tables proposed overhaul of parking requirements for further review

The Area Plan Commission on Oct. 2 voted 7-0 to table consideration of a proposed rewrite of Evansville’s parking regulations, giving members more time to review a draft that would change minimum parking requirements for several land uses and add credit options.

A city planning staff member presented the draft ordinance and a comparison chart showing how required parking counts would change for apartments, bars and restaurants, contractor shops and large retail. The staff member said the mayor’s office, the city council president and the Department of Metropolitan Development had reviewed the proposal and “liked all the changes that were made.”

Several commissioners said they supported the policy direction but wanted time to share the proposal with private-sector stakeholders who would be affected by the changes. Commissioner Petke said he wanted assurance that the private sector had seen the draft before adoption; another commissioner asked whether existing variances would remain in place. Staff said previously granted variances would remain in effect; properties subject to older variances would be bound by the new ordinance if the new required parking standard was lower.

Commissioners and staff noted the draft generally lowers parking minimums — in some categories by 30–50 percent — and aims to reduce the number of parking variances the city grants. Commissioners also asked for clarifications about specific categories such as assisted-living facilities and how employee counts would be handled.

After discussion, the commission voted to table the ordinance to the next APC meeting to allow more outreach and review. The motion carried 7-0.